How do I go about fighting children and youth for custody of my 1 month old grandson whom they placed in foster care? I have contacted an attorney, but they are slow responding. Do I need to become a foster parent first?

The first thing I would try is getting the parents to agree to sign over their rights to you. I would then have your attorney petition family court to appoint you legal guardian.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ScottGem

The first thing I would try is getting the parents to agree to sign over their rights to you. I would then have your attorney petition family court to appoint you legal guardian.

---

My daughter and the father of the child already talked about giving me full custody of him so no one could ever take him again... is this the same thing? Is it hard to get the courts to agree to this?

This depends on where you live and state law. Contact your representative to your state governnment; if you aren't a registered voter, go register. Ask your representative what the law is in your state on awarding a child to a family member before a non-family member. Also, make yourself known to the foks at children and youth; they probably will want to do a home inspection.

I already contacted my Rep. he wasn't of any help... so then I contacted my governor, he was forwarding my inquiry to DPW, since they oversee C&Y. this whole situation is just screwed up, he should have been placed with me weeks ago, I already have my background clearances.

Go to the media. Tell then here's a situation where a blood relative wants to adopt a child in the foster care system and relieve the taxpayer of the responsibility and the buracracy is stone walling it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ScottGem

Go to the media. Tell then here's a situation where a blood relative wants to adopt a child in the foster care system and relieve the taxpayer of the responsibility and the buracracy is stone walling it.

---

I went to the media like you suggested, now I just have to wait and see if they can help. This whole situation is pure B.S. My daughter had her first visit with him since they took him 3 weeks ago, and naturally she cried when she saw him and cried again when she had to leave him... this is tearing us all apart